Cinnamon French Toast Bake — Easy 5-Ingredient Brunch

This Cinnamon French Toast Bake is an effortless, crowd-pleasing recipe that uses only five simple ingredients. It’s ideal for weekend brunches, holiday breakfasts, or as a make-ahead meal-prep dish for busy mornings. Use a hearty cinnamon raisin bread, whisked eggs, and a splash of milk to create a custardy, fragrant casserole everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked french toast, sometimes called a french toast casserole, has a lot going for it:

One-pan baking means simple prep and easy cleanup.
Feeds a crowd—great for family brunch or when entertaining.
Prepares ahead of time: assemble the night before and bake in the morning.
Freezes well for quick breakfasts later in the week.

Only 5 Ingredients — Key Notes

With so few ingredients, picking quality components makes a big difference in flavor and texture. Here’s what matters most:

Cinnamon raisin bread: This is the star. Use a fresh loaf with plump raisins and generous cinnamon swirls. Thicker slices work best for a custardy interior and a tender exterior.
Eggs: Use fresh large eggs and whisk them until completely smooth. A well-whisked egg mixture ensures an even custard without streaks of egg white.
Milk: Unsweetened almond milk is recommended here, but any milk (dairy or plant-based) will work. Choose what you prefer for flavor and texture.
Cinnamon: An extra touch of ground cinnamon enhances the cinnamon-raisin bread and deepens the bake’s warm spice notes.
Nutmeg: A small amount of nutmeg elevates the overall flavor—don’t skip it.

Helpful Tips & FAQs

Why is my baked french toast soggy?

Sogginess usually means the casserole hasn’t baked long enough or the bread-to-egg ratio was too high. If the center is still wet, cover with foil and bake a bit longer. Also ensure the bread pieces are well-coated but not oversaturated before baking.

Can I add mix-ins or toppings?

Yes—this base is very adaptable. Stir or top with additions like:

Sliced almonds or chopped pecans
Extra raisins or dried cranberries
Sliced bananas or fresh berries
A swirl of peanut butter or a drizzle of maple syrup before serving

Can I freeze it?

Yes. Bake according to the recipe, allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze up to 3 months. To reheat, remove wrap and bake at 350ºF (175ºC) for 15–25 minutes or until heated through.

Overnight Option

This casserole works great as an overnight prep. Assemble in the dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight so the bread soaks up the custard. In the morning, bake as directed. Refrigerating overnight helps the spices and custard meld, producing a richer, more flavorful bake.

Recipe: Cinnamon French Toast Bake

Servings: 6 • Prep: 20 minutes • Cook: 20–25 minutes • Total: about 40 minutes

Ingredients

16 oz. loaf cinnamon raisin bread, sliced into 1-inch squares
8 large eggs
1 cup unsweetened plain almond milk (or any milk of choice)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Spray a 9 x 12-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Slice the cinnamon raisin bread into 1-inch squares and arrange them evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish.
In a medium bowl, whisk the 8 eggs until smooth. Add the milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg and whisk until combined.
Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread, pressing gently with your hands to ensure all pieces are submerged and well-soaked.
Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350ºF for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup, if desired.

Nutrition (approx. per serving)

Calories: 329 kcal • Protein: 14 g • Fat: 9 g • Fiber: 2 g • Sugar: 23 g

Nutrition information is an approximation and will vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

More Ways to Customize

Try this recipe with different breads—brioche, challah, sourdough, or a cinnamon swirl loaf all work well. Add fillings like chopped apples, a handful of berries, or a nutty crumble topping before the final bake for extra texture and flavor.